SWNOVELXO Chapter 5: His power
Nowshin was the daughter of Roger, who was an esteemed warrior. But Roger's rank was lower than Sophia's father; Sophia's father was a master of martial arts. It would be eye-catching to others if a warrior's daughter was often seen at the chief's house, especially when the sons of the chief were all grown men. People of the realm might talk in bad ways, and Nowshin was so conscious of her image, especially for Sadi. Yet she could not stay away; something about Sadi always attracted her in, so she kept her distance and secretly observed him.
Nowshin stood there, tightened her grip around her long skirt, and talked in a soft tone, "I think you will beat everyone tomorrow."
Sadi sheathed his sword and cast a glance at her with his calm demeanor as he walked over to her, saying, "Really?"
"Do you not feel I am a worthless one?"
Nowshin instantly answered in a hopeful tone, "Of course not."
"I have seen you have been working so hard."
Her response was firm.
Sadi smiled faintly and uttered, "Yes, even you have seen me at night, right?"
Nowshin lowered her gaze in embarrassment; she had no idea that Sadi also knew she followed him and was secretly watching his medication and training. She had been so careful, but Sadi caught her.
With a flushed face and a trembling voice, Nowshin inquired, "How... How did you know that?"
"It's nothing new to me, Nowshin. You used to observe my practice since childhood," Sadi said with a smile as he rinsed his face with chilly water. The droplets of water seized the sunlight and glittered shortly before it vanished.
Nowshin kept her gaze locked on him; Sadi's everything amused her. She was a timid girl, and since childhood, she had liked Sadi but never confessed her feelings, as she knew it would not be possible.
She had heard from her father about Sophia. Sadi and Sophia were fit companions, and it was a rule to make a bond with the strongest one in the realm. So, according to the rule, Sadi would marry Sophie.
Nowshin smiled slightly with a steady tone; she said, "Because I have always admired your practice." Despite her timid nature, she was never shy about admiring Sadi's practice.
"But Sadi, I still cannot believe why you always fail in all challenges. I know you do it purposefully."
Nowshin asked; her voice was full of curiosity.
"It bothers me when others mock you. I know how capable you are."
Sadi blinked his eyes slowly and looked at the rising sun, its rays casting a golden glow around. He took a deep breath and answered Nowshin calmly, "Okay, as you say, I am capable; then I will show it tomorrow."
Sadi seemed so confident in himself. Nowshin knew Sadi had been hiding something since they were children because she observed Sadi closely.
Sadi had always been sincere, hardworking, and intelligent since childhood. No one noticed his hidden power because he always tried to hide himself behind his timid nature. What he showed around the world was actually an eye wash. The power and strength he possessed were remarkable.
Finally, selection day arrived, and the amphitheater buzzed with excitement. Sages, grand-masters, masters, and warriors from all realms had presented to see the future generation's strength.
All the respected people present there to witness the challenges. The first challenge was advanced magical integration; it was a test of cosmic energy where starborn strikes were a key aspect. starborn techniques saturated with starfire or stardust, letting those do damage attacks that could burst through defenses with cosmic energy.
Stellar strikes will be the first event for the challengers.
The first challenger was Dimitri from the Celestorial realm. Everyone clapped for him, and their confidence in Dimitri was evident. And everyone had the idea of who would be the next protector of the celestial stone. It was Dimitri.
In front of Dimitri, someone presented a large crystal of osmium, glinting with a dark metallic gloss. His first task was to blow up the crystal with the cosmic energy that could pierce it.
The chilly breeze swayed, and everyone's whispers fell over the crowd slowly. The atmosphere became tense. Dimitri took his position and closed his eyes. He breathed; his expression was focused, and he summoned the strength from deep within with all his force. The surrounding air crackled him. Suddenly Dimitri's eyes cracked open, glowing with power. With a swift move, he used his cosmic energy.
With a loud crack, the crystal shattered into a million small pieces. The crowd erupted in shouting with joy, satisfied with the performance. Dimitri came down with a calm face, ignoring each competitor; it seemed it was just a plaything for him.
Then the second performer, Luca, stepped on the stage. He also completed the challenge so bravely. One by one, each of the twenty-four contestants finished the first challenge so well. It seemed they all well mastered the stellar strikes that no one would fail; their standards were high.
Finally, Sadi's turn had come. Antonio and Ethan exchanged sidelong glances; it seemed they exchanged some words, then moved their gazes to Sadi. Sadi breathed long, his eyes closed in concentration. A silence fell over the amphitheater as he stepped onto the stage.
Sophia was also presented in the crowd with a disdainful face; she had come to support Thor, but she also wanted to see Sadi's public failure. She knew he would fail, and that would be a slap from them to him.
Last time, Sadi insulted Sophia; how could she forget his insults so easily? So she had to taunt him after the competition, eager to see his humiliation.
After a minute of his medication, suddenly everyone felt the earth tremble. The crowd became a bit confused. Before they could think, suddenly the surroundings throbbed with a lurid sound.
Everyone's eyes widened as they looked at the stage, and what they witnessed made them speechless.
The crystal that Sadi was supposed to shatter or break, but it became dust. There were no pieces around; only fine dust hung in the air. There was no existence of the crystal.
Sadi cracked open his eyes; he lowered his hand. The amphitheater, which had been filled with laughter from the crowd, was now completely quiet; everyone's face became pale, and their mouths fell apart.
Even Dimitri's brows furrowed in disbelief; he was only sure of his superiority, but now, when he watched Sadi, he could not believe a worthless man could be this strong.
For the first time, Dimitri sensed something powerful that he had never seen before. Sophia became shocked that she could not think what had happened. In a few minutes, the miracle happened in front of her eyes.
Sophia's gaze locked on Sadi as he calmly stepped down from the stage, his demeanor unchanged. Sadi returned to his seat among all the competitors, who were stunned. The amphitheater was steeped in heavy silence; no one cheered nor clapped; the shock was hung heavy around them; it was beyond their expectations.
General Mason cleared his throat to grab everyone's attention, sensing the need to move the event forward quickly. His voice was authoritative enough to grab the crowd's attention.
"It was a marvelous strike. We are so glad to see that all challengers pass the first challenge successfully."
"Now, let's hear about the second challenge," Mason continued.
The audience leaned in, eager to hear about the second round.
"It is called astral weaving."
Mason finally revealed.
"The illusions of the stars."
The crowd buzzed with a sound.